Thank you to all who attended our recent CILIP Ireland meet up. What a fantastic evening! Thank you to Nikki for writing this blog about the evening.
Nikki Terlik is the Customer Experience Senior Services Manager for Libraries NI. She is the current Secretary of the CILIP Ireland Committee.
A recent invitation from CILIP Ireland to visit the McClay Library at Queens University piqued my interest. Having worked in public libraries for 25 years and despite living in Belfast my entire life I had never stepped foot inside this iconic building so needless to say I seized the opportunity and duly signed up.
Before entering I was immediately struck by the architecture of the library that somehow managed a modern nod to the Gothic main building of Queens. Standing four stories tall, it was a remarkable sight, with a striking sculpture ‘Eco’ adorning the entrance.
Robert Whan, a fellow CILIP Ireland committee member and Customer Experience Manager at the McClay Library served as our tour guide for the evening and what a remarkable guide he was, informative, friendly and humorous.
Before the tour commenced, we gathered in a training room where lively conversations flowed freely. It was a refreshing change to engage face-to-face with fellow library enthusiasts discussing aspects of the different sectors, job opportunities, conferences and even the role of AI in libraries. It was a joy to connect with new faces and put names to the individuals I had previously only interacted with online.
As we ventured beyond the training room we encountered the Quiet Room – a space designated for mindful reflection and /or prayer designed to uphold equality, diversity and inclusion policies. Its simplicity left an impression and prompted the idea of implementing a similar space in my own organisation.
Moving through the entrance area, Robert regaled us with fascinating facts about the library, highlighting its impressive numbers for customers, books and journals, staffing and the architectural significance. Built in 2009 with a 50 million budget spend, a window listed the benefactors names, Sir Allen McClay being the main sponsor hence the name of the library.
Our tour took us through various sections of the library, each offering unique features and amenities. I was particularly drawn to the well-being area with its calming atmosphere and uplifting affirmations designed to promote relaxation and self-care – a much needed space in today’s society.
From exhibition areas, laptop lockers, whisper areas to silent areas the library seemed to cater to every need and preference. One standout feature was the automated book return process, which left all of us in awe as the books with the help of RFID technology effortlessly made their way along a conveyor belt and into the bin trolley of their designated floor.
But the most enchanting part of the tour was our visit to the C.S. Lewis reading room – a tribute to the beloved author and creator of Narnia. Stepping through the wardrobe door (a replica from the Disney movie) we were transported into a circular room adorned with a magnificent table featuring the map of Narnia.
I was also pleased to discover the library’s commitment to environmental sustainability. As our tour guide Robert led us through the library’s various features, I learned about its environmentally friendly initiatives, including automated blinds, windows, lighting and ecological water systems. These efforts to reduce energy consumption and minimise environmental impact were truly commendable and added another layer of appreciation for the library’s design and operations.
Exploring the McClay Library was truly an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiration and discovery. From innovative technology to cosy reading nooks, it is clear this library is more than just a repository of books- it’s a sanctuary for knowledge, imagination and a necessity for the student community.
I extend my gratitude for Robert for his excellent guidance throughout the visit and as I reflect on my experience, I look forward to reconnecting with fellow attendees at the upcoming CILIP/LAI conference in April at the Canal Court Hotel in Newry, where we can continue to share our passion for libraries and information services.
Until then, I leave with a sense of admiration for the McClay Library at Queens University, Belfast and a lasting thank you to CILIP Ireland for organising.
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